Southwest Plus Business Credit Card: Perks for Your Business

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card is a compelling option for businesses seeking to maximize their travel rewards and streamline their expenses. This card offers a unique blend of benefits, including earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points on everyday purchases, enjoying priority boarding and early check-in, and potentially unlocking the coveted Companion Pass.

This comprehensive guide delves into the key features and benefits of the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card, providing insights into earning and redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points, exploring the travel perks associated with the card, and navigating the application process. It also discusses security features, alternative business credit cards, and frequently asked questions to help you make an informed decision.

Southwest Plus Business Credit Card Overview

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card is a valuable tool for businesses that frequently travel with Southwest Airlines. It offers a range of benefits designed to streamline business travel and maximize rewards.

Key Features and Benefits

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card offers several features and benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses:

• Companion Pass: Earn a Companion Pass after spending $14,000 on purchases in a calendar year. This pass allows you to bring a companion on your Southwest flights for free.
• Priority Boarding: Enjoy priority boarding on all Southwest flights, allowing you to board earlier and secure overhead space.
• Upgraded Rewards: Earn 3 Southwest Rapid Rewards points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, 2 points per $1 spent on dining, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
• Travel Insurance: Receive travel insurance coverage for trip cancellation, interruption, and baggage delay.
• Global Entry/TSA PreCheck Fee Credit: Receive a credit for the application fee for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck.

Annual Fee and Implications

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card has an annual fee of $149. This fee may seem significant, but the card’s benefits, particularly the Companion Pass, can easily offset the cost for businesses that travel frequently.

Rewards Program and Points Earning

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card is part of the Southwest Rapid Rewards program. Points can be earned on various purchases, with higher earning rates for Southwest Airlines purchases and dining. Points can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related expenses.

Comparison with Other Southwest Credit Cards, Southwest plus business credit card

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card stands out from other Southwest credit cards due to its unique features and benefits. The Companion Pass, Priority Boarding, and upgraded rewards program make it an excellent choice for businesses that prioritize convenience and value.

Earning Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card allows you to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points on your business spending, making it a valuable tool for businesses looking to maximize their travel rewards. You can earn points on eligible purchases made with the card, making it easy to accumulate points for your next business trip or vacation.

Earning Rates and Bonus Categories

The card offers bonus earning categories, allowing you to accumulate points faster on purchases you make regularly.

• Southwest Airlines Purchases: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Southwest Airlines purchases, including flights, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases.
• Other Travel Purchases: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on eligible travel purchases, including hotels, car rentals, and cruises.
• Dining: Earn 2 points per $1 spent at restaurants worldwide.
• All Other Purchases: Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other eligible purchases.

Maximizing Point Accumulation

Businesses can maximize their point accumulation by focusing their spending on bonus categories.

• Prioritize Southwest Airlines Purchases: If your business frequently travels on Southwest Airlines, make sure to use the card for all your flight bookings and related expenses to earn 3 points per dollar spent.
• Maximize Dining Spending: Restaurants often represent a significant portion of business expenses. By using the card for all your dining purchases, you can earn 2 points per dollar spent.
• Utilize the Card for Other Travel Expenses: When booking hotels, car rentals, or cruises for business trips, use the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card to earn 2 points per dollar spent on these travel expenses.

Value of Earning Points

The Southwest Rapid Rewards program offers a flexible and valuable way to redeem points for travel. Points can be redeemed for flights, baggage fees, and in-flight purchases on Southwest Airlines.

The value of Southwest Rapid Rewards points can vary depending on the redemption method and the destination.

For example, you could redeem points for a round-trip flight from New York to Los Angeles, which could be worth hundreds of dollars in travel savings.

Redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards Points

Earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points is just the beginning of your journey. The real value lies in how you redeem them. With the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card, you have access to a wide range of redemption options, allowing you to maximize the value of your hard-earned points.

Redemption Options

Redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be done in a variety of ways, catering to different travel needs and preferences.

• Flights: This is the most common way to redeem points. You can book flights on Southwest Airlines using points for any available seat on any route. The number of points required varies depending on the route, time of year, and demand. You can also use a combination of points and cash to book flights.
• Upgrades: Use points to upgrade your flight to a more comfortable experience, such as EarlyBird Check-In, Business Select, or even a coveted A-List status.
• Other Perks: Points can also be redeemed for travel-related perks like baggage fees, in-flight snacks and beverages, and even Southwest gift cards.

Redemption Rates

The redemption rates for Southwest Rapid Rewards points are dynamic and subject to change. Here’s a general overview:

• Flights: The number of points required for a flight depends on the route, date, and time of travel. Southwest uses a “points-based pricing” system, where the cost of a flight is determined by the number of points needed, rather than a fixed dollar amount. For example, a short-haul flight might cost 5,000 points, while a long-haul flight could cost 25,000 points or more.
• Upgrades: The cost of an upgrade varies depending on the type of upgrade and the route. For example, an EarlyBird Check-In upgrade might cost 500 points, while a Business Select upgrade could cost 2,000 points or more.
• Other Perks: The redemption rates for other perks vary depending on the specific item. For example, a baggage fee might cost 500 points, while an in-flight snack or beverage could cost 250 points.

Benefits of Using Points for Travel

Redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points for travel offers several advantages:

• Flexibility: You can use your points to book flights on any available seat on any route, giving you more flexibility than traditional reward programs.
• Value: Southwest Rapid Rewards points are generally considered to be very valuable, especially when redeemed for flights. You can often get a better value for your points than you would with cash.
• No blackout dates: Unlike some other airlines, Southwest does not have blackout dates for using points, meaning you can redeem them for travel anytime.

Limitations and Restrictions

While redeeming Southwest Rapid Rewards points offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to be aware of certain limitations:

• Point Availability: The number of points available for redemption on a particular flight can fluctuate, and you may not always be able to book the exact flight you want using points.
• Fees: While Southwest does not charge a redemption fee for flights, you may still have to pay for taxes and fees associated with your travel.
• Transferability: Southwest Rapid Rewards points are not transferable to other airlines or programs.

Southwest Plus Business Credit Card Perks

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card offers several travel perks that can make your business travel more enjoyable and cost-effective. These perks include priority boarding, early check-in, and the potential to earn a Companion Pass.

Priority Boarding and Early Check-In

Priority boarding and early check-in are valuable perks that can save you time and stress when traveling. Priority boarding allows you to board the plane before other passengers, ensuring you have more time to settle in and store your carry-on luggage. Early check-in lets you check in for your flight online or through the Southwest Airlines app up to 24 hours in advance, giving you more flexibility and control over your travel arrangements.

Companion Pass

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Companion Pass is a highly sought-after perk that allows you to bring a companion with you on any Southwest flight for just the cost of taxes and fees. To earn a Companion Pass, you need to earn 125,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. These points can be earned through credit card spending, flying Southwest, and other activities. The Companion Pass is valid for the following year, meaning you can bring a companion with you on all your Southwest flights for a full year.

For example, if you earn 125,000 qualifying points in 2023, you will have a Companion Pass for all of 2024.

Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Status

The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority status is another perk that comes with the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card. This status grants you access to several benefits, including:

• Priority boarding
• Early check-in
• Free checked bags
• Priority security screening (at select airports)
• Dedicated customer service

These benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience, making it smoother and more enjoyable.

Southwest Plus Business Credit Card Security and Protection

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card prioritizes the security of your transactions and personal information. It offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to protect you from fraud and identity theft, while also providing peace of mind with travel insurance benefits.

Fraud Protection and Identity Theft Prevention

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card provides robust fraud protection measures to safeguard your account.

• Zero Liability Protection: You are not liable for unauthorized charges made on your account. This means you won’t be responsible for any fraudulent transactions, providing you report them promptly.
• Fraud Monitoring: The card issuer continuously monitors your account for suspicious activity. If any unusual transactions are detected, they will contact you to verify the legitimacy of the charges.
• Identity Theft Assistance: In the unfortunate event of identity theft, the card issuer provides assistance with restoring your credit and resolving the issue. They offer resources and support to help you navigate the recovery process.

Travel Insurance Benefits

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card offers a range of travel insurance benefits that provide peace of mind during your business trips.

• Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Provides coverage for unexpected events that may disrupt your travel plans, such as illness, injury, or family emergencies.
• Lost Luggage/Baggage Delay Insurance: Offers protection against financial losses incurred due to lost or delayed luggage during your travels.
• Travel Accident Insurance: Provides coverage for accidental death or dismemberment while traveling.
• Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation: Offers financial assistance for emergency medical care and transportation if you require medical attention while abroad.

Customer Service and Support

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card offers excellent customer service and support to ensure your satisfaction.

• 24/7 Customer Service: You can reach a customer service representative anytime, day or night, for assistance with account inquiries, transaction disputes, or any other concerns.
• Online Account Management: Access your account online to manage your spending, view statements, and make payments conveniently.
• Mobile App: The mobile app allows you to manage your account, track spending, and access travel benefits on the go.

Southwest Plus Business Credit Card Alternatives

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card is a great option for businesses that travel frequently on Southwest Airlines. However, there are other business credit cards that offer similar benefits and rewards. These alternatives may be a better fit for your business depending on your spending habits and travel needs.

Alternatives to the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card

Here are some of the best business credit cards that offer similar benefits to the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card:

• Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card: This card offers 3x points on travel, dining, and entertainment purchases, as well as 1x point on all other purchases. It also has a welcome bonus of 80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months.
• Capital One Spark Miles for Business: This card offers 2x miles on all purchases, including travel and dining. It also has a welcome bonus of 50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months.
• American Express Business Platinum Card: This card offers 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x point on all other purchases. It also has a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months.

Comparison of Southwest Plus Business Credit Card Alternatives

The following table compares the features and rewards of the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card and its alternatives:

Feature	Southwest Plus Business Credit Card	Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card	Capital One Spark Miles for Business	American Express Business Platinum Card
Annual Fee	$99	$95	$95	$595
Welcome Bonus	60,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months	80,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 in the first 3 months	50,000 bonus miles after spending $4,500 in the first 3 months	100,000 bonus points after spending $15,000 in the first 3 months
Earning Points/Miles	2x points on Southwest purchases, 1x point on all other purchases	3x points on travel, dining, and entertainment purchases, 1x point on all other purchases	2x miles on all purchases	5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 1x point on all other purchases
Redeeming Points/Miles	Southwest Airlines flights, travel, and merchandise	Travel, dining, and merchandise	Travel, dining, and merchandise	Travel, dining, and merchandise
Other Benefits	Priority boarding on Southwest flights, 2 free checked bags on Southwest flights, Companion Pass	Travel insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection	Travel insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection	Travel insurance, rental car insurance, purchase protection, airport lounge access

Pros and Cons of Southwest Plus Business Credit Card Alternatives

Each of these credit cards has its own set of pros and cons.

Chase Ink Business Preferred Credit Card

Pros

• High earning potential with 3x points on travel, dining, and entertainment purchases.
• Generous welcome bonus.
• Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection.

Cons

Annual fee of $95.

Points can only be redeemed for travel, dining, and merchandise.

Capital One Spark Miles for Business

Pros

Earning potential of 2x miles on all purchases.

No foreign transaction fees.

Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection.

Cons

Annual fee of $95.

Miles can only be redeemed for travel, dining, and merchandise.

American Express Business Platinum Card

Pros

Highest earning potential with 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.

Exclusive airport lounge access.

Comprehensive travel insurance and purchase protection.

Cons

Highest annual fee of $595.

Points can only be redeemed for travel, dining, and merchandise.

Choosing the Best Credit Card for Your Business

The best credit card for your business will depend on your specific needs. If you travel frequently on Southwest Airlines and value the benefits of the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card, then this card is a good option. However, if you travel frequently on other airlines or prefer to earn points that can be redeemed for a wider range of rewards, then one of the alternatives may be a better fit.

Summary: Southwest Plus Business Credit Card

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card presents a compelling opportunity for businesses to earn valuable travel rewards, enhance their travel experiences, and potentially save on their travel expenses. By understanding the card’s features, benefits, and application process, businesses can make informed decisions about whether this card aligns with their specific needs and priorities.

FAQ Overview

What is the annual fee for the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card?

The annual fee for the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card is $99.

What are the eligibility requirements for the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card?

To be eligible for the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card, you must have a good credit score and be able to demonstrate your business’s financial stability.

What are the benefits of using the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card for business travel?

The Southwest Plus Business Credit Card offers several benefits for business travel, including earning Southwest Rapid Rewards points, priority boarding, early check-in, and potentially unlocking the Companion Pass.

How can I maximize my Southwest Rapid Rewards points earnings with the Southwest Plus Business Credit Card?

You can maximize your Southwest Rapid Rewards points earnings by using the card for all your business expenses, taking advantage of bonus categories, and using the card for eligible purchases at Southwest Airlines.

What are the limitations of using Southwest Rapid Rewards points for travel?

Southwest Rapid Rewards points have limitations, such as blackout dates and limited availability, especially during peak travel seasons. It’s essential to plan ahead and book flights in advance to maximize your chances of using your points.